Per the New York Post, the 36-year-old defenseman could be in the lineup as soon as Thursday against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Visnovsky is expected to arrive on Long Island Wednesday. If he doesn’t play Thursday, New York’s next game is Saturday at home to the Sabres.

Led by former first overall pick John Tavares, the Isles are off to a respectable 4-3-1 start and currently occupy seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. If Visnovsky can play like his expiring five-year, $28 million contract suggests he can, the playoffs may not be such a long shot.

Though his numbers fell significantly in 2011-12 with the Ducks, Visnovsky is only two seasons removed from leading all NHL defensemen in points (68).